Posted by Pastor Don on July 09, 2014 at 18:09:17
In Reply to: Re: Thanks for the web link posted by humanist on July 09, 2014 at 12:14:40:
Good question! If a non-believer came to me, he would be coming to me knowing that I am a chaplain of a certain faith, as that is what chaplains are. There are Muslim, Jewish, and Christian chaplains. With the Christian chaplains there are at least Roman Catholic, and Protestant. Also many denominations are represented. As I said hey would know I am a person of faith. With that being said I would certainly listen to what they had to say, and take into consideration what they might expect to hear from me. If I perceived through our time together that they needed a psychiatrist or psychologist I would refer and arrange within military criteria. I would have no problem counseling a gay service member who professes Christianity. Homosexuality and the Church is a whole different ball of wax. All in all my first responsibility would be to follow scripture along with orders etc. that I would have from those in command. Just a question what would be the ethical and moral compass for a non-believer. To counsel someone about morals and ethics one would have to know where the counselee derives their morals and ethics. Okay I'm done with my sermon! Later!